Over the years the networks have created and perfected a formula to do just that. This formula often causes shows within the genre to come off very theatrical in nature and is often presented at face value. Noting this, Mike Hale, New York Times Culture editor characterized ghost hunting shows as "pure theater" comparing the genre to professional wrestling or soft core pornography. The “ghost show formula” tends to be fairly consistent around the board. Usually at the start of the episode there is a belief among one or all of the protagonists that the unexplained activities are caused by a supernatural force but the resolution shows that it can be scientifically explained Typically these shows begin with a briefing of sorts, during this time period in the episode the history of the haunting is discussed. This usually involves over dramatic reenactments and/or flashes of evocative images and use of “spooky” sounds (bangs, ringing, etc). Often the crew will interview locals who speak about the haunting in question, explaining the back-story to the haunting and possibly their own experiences of it. This section of the show also will typically use evocative images and sounds. The next section typically involves the ghost hunting team will usually explore the location during the day. The setting is usually but not always in historical locations e.g. like a mansion, house, building, theatre, graveyard, railway yard etc. The haunt location can be rural and remote or it can be within a suburban area. The ghost character’s presence usually means it has unfinished business, whether it be revenge or to protect the location they haunt; usually the location plays a key role in this either way. After All the build up the ghost hunting team finally go on the hunt. The hunt will often involve very defining rituals if you will where the hunters will call out to the ghost, yelling and antagonizing the spirit to illicit a response through temperature change or through voice recordings. During …show more content…
Our ability to correctly discern whether or not a given phenomenon really exists is something that strikes us all at the very heart of the human endeavor. Culturally speaking ghost stories and legends of hauntings have been present throughout history and seen in just about every culture throughout the world. The reason for this is quite simple; people of all types have either a fascination with the afterlife, the reasoning of death and the interaction between the living and the deceased. The same is absolutely true in the United States. One of man’s mysteries is what happens after death, to find a way to rationalize and explain the afterlife is comforting to many. Comfort, reassurance, and certainty are three things that truly satisfy the American people whether it is financial, religious or in this case paranormal and knowledge of the